SECRET
of State, FCO (Mr Luce). The terms of reference are "to keep under review all aspects of the conduct of the negotiations with the Chinese Goverment on the future of Hong Kong". The date of the first meeting has not yet been fixed but it will probably be after the next round of talks on 19/20 October. We are preparing briefing for the Sub-Committee.
4.
We shall need to consult other Departments, including some of those represented on the Ministerial Committee and some others, as soon as possible, in order to other Departments. It may be helpful to set up a steering committee, under FCÓ chairmanship, both to service the Ministerial Sub-Committee and to discuss any matters concerning the negotiations which affect Departments in common. But for reasons of security, and to avoid difuse and unproductive debate, I recommend that the general rule should be for the FCO to seek advice on specific subjects from other Departments bilaterally.
5.
I submit a draft letter to No 10 seeking the Prime Minister's agreement to our consulting other Departments.
Composition of the British Negotiating Team
6.
There is no reason to alter the present structure of a team led by the Ambassador and, on most occasions, attended by the Governor. The talks should stay in Peking. The best way to achieve results with the Chinese Government is to conduct talks on their own ground where decisions can be obtained relatively quickly. There is bound to be difficulty if we try to get the Chinese to accept Hong Kong Chinese officials as part of the negotiating team.
It may however be possible to include advisers from Hong Kong from among senior expatriate Civil Servants.
7. On possible representation from London, We may need to send an FCO official to attend the first, or the first two sessions once detailed discussions get underway and to go at intervals thereafter. Mr Donald may wish to discuss this, including the financial implications.
Бир
R D Clift
11 October 1983
SECRET
Hong Kong Department